New Delhi, May 5, 2025 — The Indian Navy is poised to bolster its maritime strength with the delivery of INS Tamal, a state-of-the-art Talwar-class stealth frigate, from Russia’s Yantar Shipyard on May 28, 2025. Part of a 2016 Indo-Russian agreement for four frigates—two built in Russia and two in India—this multi-role warship, equipped with BrahMos supersonic missiles, will be formally commissioned in June 2025. “INS Tamal marks a milestone in our naval capabilities,” said a defense official, emphasizing its role in enhancing India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

INS Tamal, designed under Project 1135.6, is an upgraded Krivak III-class frigate capable of simultaneous air, surface, and underwater operations. Armed with advanced sensors, Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, and a 76mm rapid-fire gun, it also supports a multi-role helicopter for surveillance and combat missions. With a 3,900-tonne displacement and speeds exceeding 30 knots, its stealth features reduce radar detection, ensuring tactical superiority. “This ship is a game-changer for blue-water operations,” noted naval analyst Rear Adm. (Ret.) Sanjay Sharma, highlighting its BrahMos missile system as a formidable deterrent.

The delivery, following INS Tushil’s commissioning in December 2024, underscores India’s shift toward self-reliance, with Tamal being the Navy’s last imported warship. The remaining two frigates, under construction at Goa Shipyard Limited, boast over 56% indigenous content, reflecting the Make in India initiative. Despite earlier delays due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Tamal’s Ukrainian-built engines were secured pre-war, keeping the timeline intact. As India strengthens its naval arsenal amid regional tensions, INS Tamal promises to fortify maritime security, cementing the nation’s strategic edge.